Songs whose riff is harder to play than the solo

[Dostradamas]

Most of the time I find solos harder to get down than the riff of the song. But occasionally there are songs that are the direct opposite. Or maybe you can kinda get the riff but just can’t do like on the record.

One to start: Can’t Stop by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Frusciante is a very underrated player.
His rhythms are harder to play than flea's, and that is saying something.

 

[Peegoo]

Walk This Way.

The riffage and especially the "swing" during the verses is not easy to nail.

 

[GoldDeluxe5E3]

Most of the time I find solos harder to get down than the riff of the song. But occasionally there are songs that are the direct opposite. Or maybe you can kinda get the riff but just can’t do like on the record.

One to start: Can’t Stop by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

When you mentioned the RHCP's, I was sure you'd cite this, not Can't Stop:

 

[tugboat1980]

When you mentioned the RHCP's, I was sure you'd cite this, not Can't Stop:

I need to learn this. Love that song.

Can’t stop is just really hard to get the string muting right. Especially in the second measure of the riff where he’s hitting the open D string. It’s right on a harmonic too so I booger it allllll the time.

 

[Boreas]

Bobbie's repeating figure in China Cat Sunflower. I have never figured it out.

 

[FenderGyrl]

Burn
By Deep Purple

 

[tomkatf]

 

[Wilharnauld365]

Hard to keep up the tempo for 3 minutes !

 

[charlie chitlin]

(RIP my friend) play this riff and sing,...

Awwww... so brilliant...

 

[LOSTVENTURE]

Long Cool Woman, the Hollies.

 

[Powdog]

The intro riff to The Band’s “The Weight”. I’ve seen/heard Robbie play it three or four different ways, and recently saw an interview where he says it’s all about the mood he’s trying to convey at any particular time. This is my favorite, Strat thru a Champ.

 

[WireLine]

Dang, dont any of yall listen to country?

Intro to Reba McIntyre's 'Little Rock'
Intro to Billy Swan's 'I Can Help'

(Both by Reggie Young,BTW)

 

[Chiogtr4x]

Bobbie's repeating figure in China Cat Sunflower. I have never figured it out.

It helps to form a little G barre chord with index finger across middle 3 strings on the 12th fret to do first pull-offs, but then I just play that fast high scale (F-G--A-B) all on high E string

I love Bobby's R&B double stops/slurs in the jam between China Cat and Rider.
Just one of my fave Dead moments.

* always thought it cool that the traditional Gibson and Fender guitar sounds are turned upside down here,
with Jerry and Bobby:
Jerry's Strat is 'barky' and edgy, and Bobby's ES-345 is crystalline

 

[stephent2]

Billy Swan's 'I Can Help'

such a cool lick and it was a one and done. on Swan's live versions it was never played. it was a warm up exercise that Reggie Young played, producer liked it.